A DEFINING PROJECT - LAKE ST. MARTIN OPERATION RETURN HOME
At a time when reflection and the capacity for resiliency are at the forefront of many businesses and business owners’ minds, we felt it would be appropriate to look back on a defining community project that we are very proud of, completed only within our 5th year of being in operation. At such an early stage in our business, this project exemplifies the level of excellence and capacity that Matix Lumber has always committed to from the beginning – it is a testament to our ability to formulate effective design solutions, assemble and work in union with exceptional suppliers, partners, and community members, to get the job done together. 190 homes in total were built and transported to the relocated Lake St. Martin First Nation, marking a ground-breaking accomplishment for all whom were involved and a new benchmark for our company.
In 2011, members of Lake St. Martin First Nation were forced to leave their homes when water was diverted from the Assiniboine River into Lake Manitoba to reduce the risk of flooding in Winnipeg. This, after a series of devastating floods that had taken place over a long period of time, had drastically impacted the land and basic infrastructure within the community, forcing the population to be temporarily displaced. November 2017, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada put out a bid for tenders to rebuild the community. Matix Lumber responded and was awarded the contract to complete the first phase of the Lake St. Martin First Nation Operation Return Home Project.
From the start, it was our goal that this would be a no-compromise homebuilding experience, from overcoming industry shortcomings when it came to material quality and longevity – to sourcing the best possible suppliers to support the project. Several members of Lake St. Martin First Nation community were hired to support and engage with key aspects of the project – from the management of quality control, construction on site and at the Matix headquarters – to cooking, in order to maintain a sense of camaraderie and consistency throughout the project. We carefully advised and led each aspect of construction to complete a total of 190 residential homes for the community members and their families, letting the community decide between several customizable Ready-to-Move design systems. The construction was really a partnership between the community, Matix, and a collaboration with many exemplary suppliers and partners who helped elevate the efficiency and quality of the project. We are proud to say that many young Lake St. Martin First Nation adults were given valuable work experience and training throughout this entire process.
For all of us, a home is a reflection of a community’s culture and social life and the core of family relationships. During a key neighbourhood discovery experience, Matix presented a blank laminated map of the community that spanned the entire boardroom table at our Headingley offices. The map depicted roads and existing infrastructure in Lake St. Martin First Nation. Community elders were present to help make key decisions about home placement after community members had selected their respective floor plans and customization options (interior finishing and detailing). As the homes and neighbourhood came together, it was clear that the mapping exercise revealed more than just infrastructure – it represented the people and relationships that would be integral to reinvigorating the displaced community of Lake St. Martin First Nation. The first RTM wall was lifted February 1st, 2017, which marked the official start of construction.
On June 17th, celebrations were held to acknowledge the first home leaving our yard and heading to site. The Chief and members of the council representatives of the provincial and federal government attended the ceremony, with the Minister of Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennet paying a special visit to the yard during the project’s process. With the lifting of spring road restrictions, several more homes began to make the 270 km journey northward.
In addition to providing all of the homes, the preparation of the land through significant grading and landscaping was completed as one of the last components of the project. The land upon which the homes resided needed to not only bring them together as a seamless development project, but elevate the homes for future flood protection. The first completed homes were handed over to the community just before Christmas of 2017.
For us, this project remains a success for many reasons, but ultimately it is an example of how, in every project we embark upon, it is a matter of connecting the dots between design, fabrication and construction, strong industry partnerships, and community.
We were happy to receive a letter from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs office about our involvement in this project, after we had given a tour of our facility.
Read more about the first families who received keys to their new homes in the community of Lake St. Martin.
